In a proactive move aimed at fostering collaboration with the Lagos State government, the United Nylon Association, Lagos State has launched a cleanup exercise across all markets in the state, starting from Oyingbo Market.

The group called for a more inclusive approach to tackling plastic pollution. The initiative comes in the wake of the state government’s push for a cleaner Lagos and its recent ban on single-use nylon bags.

Speaking during the cleaning exercise at Oyingbo Market, the Assistant Secretary of the association, Mr. Akin Apata, expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Environment for its efforts.

He stated that while many materials contribute to dirt, the association wanted to lead by example and demonstrate its commitment to a cleaner Lagos.

“We are telling them that whatever they want to do, consult us, let us brainstorm together and put a lasting solution to the problem,” Apata said.
He emphasised the association’s desire to be recognised as a key stakeholder.

Apata announced that the cleanup exercise would continue across all 20 local councils and 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) in the state.
He underscored the complexity of the issue, pointing out that items like bread, detergents, and chocolates are packaged in single-use materials that cannot be replaced by thicker, reusable bags.

He reiterated the association’s call for the government to sit down to analyse the situation with them to find a better way forward.
President, Unified Nylon Association,Mrs. Funke Ogunyonbo, argued that the government’s proposal to use 40-micron bags is both impractical and unaffordable for the public.

“It is too thick and very expensive to manufacture and for people to afford it,” she said. Ogunyonbo said the high production cost would be passed on to consumers, contributing to inflation.

The association’s Vice President, Salamotu Aminu Godabi, described the ban as a great mistake that would cause significant hardship for those whose livelihoods depend on the industry.

She asserted that proper waste management and public sensitisation are more effective solutions than a ban.”The waste is money itself; it is wealth. It can even create more jobs if the government does it properly,” Godabi said, suggesting that disused nylon could be collected and converted into new products, creating a circular economy.